This khichdi has masala...

Sheetal

When the entire country is facing a lockdown, Star Bharat has comes up with fresh offerings to cheer you up. From changing the channel’s tagline to Bhula De Darr, Khush Rahein Ghar Par, it is evident that their intention is to entertain audiences even when the television industry like many others is facing losses. Actor, director and producer Jamnadas Majethia’s shows Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai are thus returning on the channel from Monday onwards. While for the latter he was a producer, in the former he got the chance to act besidesalso producing it.

Says Majethia, “The industry is at loss doesn’t mean that we turn our back in the times when people need us the most. After both the shows were completed, it was never about money. It has always been about goodwill, love and respect. I am happy that both the shows have returned to television while also being available on the OTT platforms. Though there are many who have access to digital platforms, a majority of the population still relies on television.”

When the entire cast of Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai is brought together for a video meeting, it is all about having some fun. Supriya Pathak aka Hansa asks the writerAatish Kapadia, “Ye Corona kya hota hai” to which the latter replies, “It’s like a Bengali saying, “tum light band korona.” Rupali Ganguly, who hails from Bengal, shares her real-life Monisha Sarabhai moments. While her show Anupama’s premiere has been pushed back, she is at her comic best during the video-conference!

Celebrated characters of both Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, such as Hansa, Praful, Indravardhan, Maya and Monisha, are as relatable to the audiences as they were back in 2004. Ratna Pathak Shah, the Maya of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, shares, “It was way ahead of its time.” To which Sumeet Raghavan, who plays her son on the show, says, “Because it first entered television screens in a weekly format; the importance in terms of rating went up only after it was fed down the audience’ throats like a daily show.”

Adds the writer, Aatish Kapadia, “The shows are still relevant because the characters were larger-than-life and helped people relate to everyday madness, which only Indian families could understand. Making a family show that makes you laugh is tough and was only possible because the ensemble cast breathed life into the characters they were essaying.”

The comedy shows will be re-telecast starting today from 10 am to 12 noon. Rest assured, even if the lockdown is lifted the audience will get to see the complete shows!

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